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Sekulic M, Abdollahi N, Graf L, Deigendesch N, Puche R, Bodmer D, Petkovic V. Human blood-labyrinth barrier on a chip: a unique in vitro tool for investigation of BLB properties. RSC Adv 2023; 13:25508-25517. [PMID: 37636514 PMCID: PMC10450574 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04704k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, usually as a result of hair cell damage in the inner ear due to aging, acoustic trauma, or exposure to antibiotics or chemotherapy. No drug therapies can protect or restore hearing and current in vitro and animal models used in drug discovery have a very low success rate, mostly due to major differences in anatomy and accessibility of the inner ear environment between species. The blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) in the stria vascularis is a highly specialized capillary network that controls exchanges between the blood and interstitial space in the cochlea. The BLB is critical for normal hearing, functioning as a physical, transport, and metabolic barrier. To address its complexity and accessibility, we created the first micro-engineered human model of BLB on a chip using autogenous progenitor cells from adult temporal bones. We successfully isolated the BLB from post-mortem human tissue and established an endothelial cell and pericyte culture system on a BLB chip. Using biocompatible materials, we fabricated sustainable two chamber chips. We validated the size-dependent permeability limits of our BLB model by measuring the permeability to daptomycin (molecular weight 1.6 kDa) and midazolam (molecular weight 325.78 Da). Daptomycin did not pass through the BLB layer, whereas midazolam readily passed through the BLB in our system. Thus, our BLB-chip mimicked the integrity and permeability of human stria vascularis capillaries. This represents a major step towards establishing a reliable model for the development of hearing loss treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijana Sekulic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Narjes Abdollahi
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Lukas Graf
- Clinic for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | | | - Raoul Puche
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Daniel Bodmer
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
- Clinic for Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Vesna Petkovic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel Basel Switzerland
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2
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Schreiner TG, Creangă-Murariu I, Tamba BI, Lucanu N, Popescu BO. In Vitro Modeling of the Blood–Brain Barrier for the Study of Physiological Conditions and Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081136. [PMID: 36009030 PMCID: PMC9405874 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an essential structure for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Alterations to the BBB are linked with a myriad of pathological conditions and play a significant role in the onset and evolution of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, a deeper understanding of the BBB’s structure and function is mandatory for a better knowledge of neurodegenerative disorders and the development of effective therapies. Because studying the BBB in vivo imposes overwhelming difficulties, the in vitro approach remains the main possible way of research. With many in vitro BBB models having been developed over the last years, the main aim of this review is to systematically present the most relevant designs used in neurological research. In the first part of the article, the physiological and structural–functional parameters of the human BBB are detailed. Subsequently, available BBB models are presented in a comparative approach, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Finally, the new perspectives related to the study of Alzheimer’s disease with the help of novel devices that mimic the in vivo human BBB milieu gives the paper significant originality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gabriel Schreiner
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Department of Electrical Measurements and Materials, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 21-23 Professor Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Ioana Creangă-Murariu
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Str., No. 16, 700155 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ionel Tamba
- Advanced Research and Development Center for Experimental Medicine (CEMEX), “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Universitatii Str., No. 16, 700155 Iasi, Romania
| | - Nicolae Lucanu
- Department of Applied Electronics and Intelligent Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, 21-23 Professor Dimitrie Mangeron Blvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Bogdan Ovidiu Popescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Neurology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Neurosciences and Experimental Myology, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Rawal SU, Patel BM, Patel MM. New Drug Delivery Systems Developed for Brain Targeting. Drugs 2022; 82:749-792. [PMID: 35596879 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) are two of the most complex and sophisticated concierges that defend the central nervous system (CNS) by numerous mechanisms. While they maintain the neuro-ecological homeostasis through the regulated entry of essential biomolecules, their conservative nature challenges the entry of most of the drugs intended for CNS delivery. Targeted delivery challenges for a diverse spectrum of therapeutic agents/drugs (non-small molecules, small molecules, gene-based therapeutics, protein and peptides, antibodies) are diverse and demand specialized delivery and disease-targeting strategies. This review aims to capture the trends that have shaped the current brain targeting research scenario. This review discusses the physiological, neuropharmacological, and etiological factors that participate in the transportation of various drug delivery cargoes across the BBB/BCSF and influence their therapeutic intracranial concentrations. Recent research works spanning various invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive brain- targeting approaches are discussed. While the pre-clinical outcomes from many of these approaches seem promising, further research is warranted to overcome the translational glitches that prevent their clinical use. Non-invasive approaches like intranasal administration, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition, pro-drugs, and carrier/targeted nanocarrier-aided delivery systems (alone or often in combination) hold positive clinical prospects for brain targeting if explored further in the right direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti U Rawal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy, L J University, Sarkhej-Sanand Circle Off. S.G. Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382210, India
| | - Bhoomika M Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
| | - Mayur M Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India.
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Girolamo F, Errede M, Bizzoca A, Virgintino D, Ribatti D. Central Nervous System Pericytes Contribute to Health and Disease. Cells 2022; 11:1707. [PMID: 35626743 PMCID: PMC9139243 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful neuroprotection is only possible with contemporary microvascular protection. The prevention of disease-induced vascular modifications that accelerate brain damage remains largely elusive. An improved understanding of pericyte (PC) signalling could provide important insight into the function of the neurovascular unit (NVU), and into the injury-provoked responses that modify cell-cell interactions and crosstalk. Due to sharing the same basement membrane with endothelial cells, PCs have a crucial role in the control of endothelial, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte precursor functions and hence blood-brain barrier stability. Both cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases impair oxygen delivery and functionally impair the NVU. In this review, the role of PCs in central nervous system health and disease is discussed, considering their origin, multipotency, functions and also dysfunction, focusing on new possible avenues to modulate neuroprotection. Dysfunctional PC signalling could also be considered as a potential biomarker of NVU pathology, allowing us to individualize therapeutic interventions, monitor responses, or predict outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Girolamo
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.E.); (D.V.); (D.R.)
| | - Mariella Errede
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.E.); (D.V.); (D.R.)
| | - Antonella Bizzoca
- Physiology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Daniela Virgintino
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.E.); (D.V.); (D.R.)
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Unit of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.E.); (D.V.); (D.R.)
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Kohl Y, Biehl M, Spring S, Hesler M, Ogourtsov V, Todorovic M, Owen J, Elje E, Kopecka K, Moriones OH, Bastús NG, Simon P, Dubaj T, Rundén-Pran E, Puntes V, William N, von Briesen H, Wagner S, Kapur N, Mariussen E, Nelson A, Gabelova A, Dusinska M, Velten T, Knoll T. Microfluidic In Vitro Platform for (Nano)Safety and (Nano)Drug Efficiency Screening. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006012. [PMID: 33458959 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a valuable tool for realizing more in vitro models capturing cellular and organ level responses for rapid and animal-free risk assessment of new chemicals and drugs. Microfluidic cell-based devices allow high-throughput screening and flexible automation while lowering costs and reagent consumption due to their miniaturization. There is a growing need for faster and animal-free approaches for drug development and safety assessment of chemicals (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances, REACH). The work presented describes a microfluidic platform for in vivo-like in vitro cell cultivation. It is equipped with a wafer-based silicon chip including integrated electrodes and a microcavity. A proof-of-concept using different relevant cell models shows its suitability for label-free assessment of cytotoxic effects. A miniaturized microscope within each module monitors cell morphology and proliferation. Electrodes integrated in the microfluidic channels allow the noninvasive monitoring of barrier integrity followed by a label-free assessment of cytotoxic effects. Each microfluidic cell cultivation module can be operated individually or be interconnected in a flexible way. The interconnection of the different modules aims at simulation of the whole-body exposure and response and can contribute to the replacement of animal testing in risk assessment studies in compliance with the 3Rs to replace, reduce, and refine animal experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Kohl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Margit Biehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Sarah Spring
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Michelle Hesler
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Vladimir Ogourtsov
- Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Dyke Parade, Cork, T12 R5CP, Ireland
| | - Miomir Todorovic
- Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Dyke Parade, Cork, T12 R5CP, Ireland
| | - Joshua Owen
- Institute of Thermofluids, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Elisabeth Elje
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department for Environmental Chemistry, Health Effects Laboratory, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller, 2007, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 9, Oslo, 0372, Norway
| | - Kristina Kopecka
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava, 84505, Slovakia
| | - Oscar Hernando Moriones
- Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus G Bastús
- Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Simon
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology SUT, Radlinskeho 9, Bratislava, 812 37, Slovakia
| | - Tibor Dubaj
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology SUT, Radlinskeho 9, Bratislava, 812 37, Slovakia
| | - Elise Rundén-Pran
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department for Environmental Chemistry, Health Effects Laboratory, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller, 2007, Norway
| | - Victor Puntes
- Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Nicola William
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Hagen von Briesen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Sylvia Wagner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Nikil Kapur
- Institute of Thermofluids, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Espen Mariussen
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department for Environmental Chemistry, Health Effects Laboratory, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller, 2007, Norway
| | - Andrew Nelson
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava, 84505, Slovakia
| | - Maria Dusinska
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Department for Environmental Chemistry, Health Effects Laboratory, Instituttveien 18, Kjeller, 2007, Norway
| | - Thomas Velten
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
| | - Thorsten Knoll
- Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V., Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Weg 1, Sulzbach, 66280, Germany
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One Brain-All Cells: A Comprehensive Protocol to Isolate All Principal CNS-Resident Cell Types from Brain and Spinal Cord of Adult Healthy and EAE Mice. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030651. [PMID: 33804060 PMCID: PMC7999839 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis, the role of each central nervous system (CNS)-resident cell type during inflammation, neurodegeneration, and remission has been frequently addressed. Although protocols for the isolation of different individual CNS-resident cell types exist, none can harvest all of them within a single experiment. In addition, isolation of individual cells is more demanding in adult mice and even more so from the inflamed CNS. Here, we present a protocol for the simultaneous purification of viable single-cell suspensions of all principal CNS-resident cell types (microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and neurons) from adult mice-applicable in healthy mice as well as in EAE. After dissociation of the brain and spinal cord from adult mice, microglia, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and, neurons were isolated via magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). Validations comprised flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, as well as functional analyses (immunoassay and Sholl analysis). The purity of each cell isolation averaged 90%. All cells displayed cell-type-specific morphologies and expressed specific surface markers. In conclusion, this new protocol for the simultaneous isolation of all major CNS-resident cell types from one CNS offers a sophisticated and comprehensive way to investigate complex cellular networks ex vivo and simultaneously reduce mice numbers to be sacrificed.
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Stanković T, Ranđelović T, Dragoj M, Stojković Burić S, Fernández L, Ochoa I, Pérez-García VM, Pešić M. In vitro biomimetic models for glioblastoma-a promising tool for drug response studies. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 55:100753. [PMID: 33667959 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The poor response of glioblastoma to current treatment protocols is a consequence of its intrinsic drug resistance. Resistance to chemotherapy is primarily associated with considerable cellular heterogeneity, and plasticity of glioblastoma cells, alterations in gene expression, presence of specific tumor microenvironment conditions and blood-brain barrier. In an attempt to successfully overcome chemoresistance and better understand the biological behavior of glioblastoma, numerous tri-dimensional (3D) biomimetic models were developed in the past decade. These novel advanced models are able to better recapitulate the spatial organization of glioblastoma in a real time, therefore providing more realistic and reliable evidence to the response of glioblastoma to therapy. Moreover, these models enable the fine-tuning of different tumor microenvironment conditions and facilitate studies on the effects of the tumor microenvironment on glioblastoma chemoresistance. This review outlines current knowledge on the essence of glioblastoma chemoresistance and describes the progress achieved by 3D biomimetic models. Moreover, comprehensive literature assessment regarding the influence of 3D culturing and microenvironment mimicking on glioblastoma gene expression and biological behavior is also provided. The contribution of the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-tumor barrier to glioblastoma chemoresistance is also reviewed from the perspective of 3D biomimetic models. Finally, the role of mathematical models in predicting 3D glioblastoma behavior and drug response is elaborated. In the future, technological innovations along with mathematical simulations should create reliable 3D biomimetic systems for glioblastoma research that should facilitate the identification and possibly application in preclinical drug testing and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Stanković
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Teodora Ranđelović
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miodrag Dragoj
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Stojković Burić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Luis Fernández
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Tissue Microenvironment Lab (TME), Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red. Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Zaragoza, Aragon 50018, Spain; Institute for Health Research Aragon (IIS Aragón), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Victor M Pérez-García
- Departamento de Matemáticas, E.T.S.I. Industriales and Instituto de Matemática Aplicada a la Ciencia y la Ingeniería (IMACI), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, 13071, Spain
| | - Milica Pešić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"- National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Teixeira MI, Amaral MH, Costa PC, Lopes CM, Lamprou DA. Recent Developments in Microfluidic Technologies for Central Nervous System Targeted Studies. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E542. [PMID: 32545276 PMCID: PMC7356280 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) bear a lot of weight in public health. By studying the properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its fundamental interactions with the central nervous system (CNS), it is possible to improve the understanding of the pathological mechanisms behind these disorders and create new and better strategies to improve bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency, such as nanocarriers. Microfluidics is an intersectional field with many applications. Microfluidic systems can be an invaluable tool to accurately simulate the BBB microenvironment, as well as develop, in a reproducible manner, drug delivery systems with well-defined physicochemical characteristics. This review provides an overview of the most recent advances on microfluidic devices for CNS-targeted studies. Firstly, the importance of the BBB will be addressed, and different experimental BBB models will be briefly discussed. Subsequently, microfluidic-integrated BBB models (BBB/brain-on-a-chip) are introduced and the state of the art reviewed, with special emphasis on their use to study NDs. Additionally, the microfluidic preparation of nanocarriers and other compounds for CNS delivery has been covered. The last section focuses on current challenges and future perspectives of microfluidic experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês Teixeira
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, MedTech - Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.I.T.); (M.H.A.); (P.C.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Maria Helena Amaral
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, MedTech - Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.I.T.); (M.H.A.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Paulo C. Costa
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, MedTech - Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (M.I.T.); (M.H.A.); (P.C.C.)
| | - Carla M. Lopes
- FP-ENAS/CEBIMED, Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit/Biomedical Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia, 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
| | - Dimitrios A. Lamprou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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Abrahamson EE, Ikonomovic MD. Brain injury-induced dysfunction of the blood brain barrier as a risk for dementia. Exp Neurol 2020; 328:113257. [PMID: 32092298 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex and dynamic physiological interface between brain parenchyma and cerebral vasculature. It is composed of closely interacting cells and signaling molecules that regulate movement of solutes, ions, nutrients, macromolecules, and immune cells into the brain and removal of products of normal and abnormal brain cell metabolism. Dysfunction of multiple components of the BBB occurs in aging, inflammatory diseases, traumatic brain injury (TBI, severe or mild repetitive), and in chronic degenerative dementing disorders for which aging, inflammation, and TBI are considered risk factors. BBB permeability changes after TBI result in leakage of serum proteins, influx of immune cells, perivascular inflammation, as well as impairment of efflux transporter systems and accumulation of aggregation-prone molecules involved in hallmark pathologies of neurodegenerative diseases with dementia. In addition, cerebral vascular dysfunction with persistent alterations in cerebral blood flow and neurovascular coupling contribute to brain ischemia, neuronal degeneration, and synaptic dysfunction. While the idea of TBI as a risk factor for dementia is supported by many shared pathological features, it remains a hypothesis that needs further testing in experimental models and in human studies. The current review focusses on pathological mechanisms shared between TBI and neurodegenerative disorders characterized by accumulation of pathological protein aggregates, such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. We discuss critical knowledge gaps in the field that need to be explored to clarify the relationship between TBI and risk for dementia and emphasize the need for longitudinal in vivo studies using imaging and biomarkers of BBB dysfunction in people with single or multiple TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Abrahamson
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Milos D Ikonomovic
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Gulino M, Kim D, Pané S, Santos SD, Pêgo AP. Tissue Response to Neural Implants: The Use of Model Systems Toward New Design Solutions of Implantable Microelectrodes. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:689. [PMID: 31333407 PMCID: PMC6624471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of implantable neuroelectrodes is advancing rapidly as these tools are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in clinical practice, especially for the treatment of traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders. Electrodes have been exploited in a wide number of neural interface devices, such as deep brain stimulation, which is one of the most successful therapies with proven efficacy in the treatment of diseases like Parkinson or epilepsy. However, one of the main caveats related to the clinical application of electrodes is the nervous tissue response at the injury site, characterized by a cascade of inflammatory events, which culminate in chronic inflammation, and, in turn, result in the failure of the implant over extended periods of time. To overcome current limitations of the most widespread macroelectrode based systems, new design strategies and the development of innovative materials with superior biocompatibility characteristics are currently being investigated. This review describes the current state of the art of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models available for the study of neural tissue response to implantable microelectrodes. We particularly highlight new models with increased complexity that closely mimic in vivo scenarios and that can serve as promising alternatives to animal studies for investigation of microelectrodes in neural tissues. Additionally, we also express our view on the impact of the progress in the field of neural tissue engineering on neural implant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Gulino
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donghoon Kim
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Salvador Pané
- Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (MSRL), Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Duque Santos
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Pêgo
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FEUP – Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Jiang L, Li S, Zheng J, Li Y, Huang H. Recent Progress in Microfluidic Models of the Blood-Brain Barrier. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10060375. [PMID: 31195652 PMCID: PMC6630552 DOI: 10.3390/mi10060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical physical and chemical barrier that maintains brain homeostasis. Researchers in academia and industry are highly motivated to develop experimental models that can accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the BBB. Microfluidic systems, which manipulate fluids at the micrometer scale, are ideal tools for simulating the BBB microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the progress in the design and evaluation of microfluidic in vitro BBB models, including advances in chip materials, porous membranes, the use of endothelial cells, the importance of shear stress, the detection specific markers to monitor tight junction formation and integrity, measurements of TEER and permeability. We also pointed out several shortcomings of the current microfluidic models. The purpose of this paper is to let the readers understand the characteristics of different types of model design, and select appropriate design parameters according to the research needs, so as to obtain the best experimental results. We believe that the microfluidics BBB models will play an important role in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jiang
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Microbiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Junsong Zheng
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Keep RF, Jones HC, Drewes LR. The year in review: progress in brain barriers and brain fluid research in 2018. Fluids Barriers CNS 2019; 16:4. [PMID: 30717760 PMCID: PMC6362595 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-019-0124-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial focuses on the progress made in brain barrier and brain fluid research in 2018. It highlights some recent advances in knowledge and techniques, as well as prevalent themes and controversies. Areas covered include: modeling, the brain endothelium, the neurovascular unit, the blood–CSF barrier and CSF, drug delivery, fluid movement within the brain, the impact of disease states, and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, R5018 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-2200, USA.
| | - Hazel C Jones
- Gagle Brook House, Chesterton, Bicester, OX26 1UF, UK
| | - Lester R Drewes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
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Sun Y, Coppé JP, Lam EWF. Cellular Senescence: The Sought or the Unwanted? Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:871-885. [PMID: 30153969 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a process that results in irreversible cell-cycle arrest, and is thought to be an autonomous tumor-suppressor mechanism. During senescence, cells develop distinctive metabolic and signaling features, together referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The SASP is implicated in several aging-related pathologies, including various malignancies. Accumulating evidence argues that cellular senescence acts as a double-edged sword in human cancer, and new agents and innovative strategies to tackle senescent cells are in development pipelines to counter the adverse effects of cellular senescence in the clinic. We focus on recent discoveries in senescence research and SASP biology, and highlight the potential of SASP suppression and senescent cell clearance in advancing precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Department of Medicine and Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care Systems (VAPSHCS), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Jean-Philippe Coppé
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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